Audio-Technica ATH-PDG1 Review

Some of the most impressive peripherals we have reviewed in recent times have been from Audio-Technica… such as their AT2020USB+Â microphone which is a great option for podcasters/streamers. Today we take a look at one of their latest high end headsets (for PC, mobile and Playstation 4) in our Audio-Technica ATH-PDG1 Review.

Audio-Technica ATH-PDG1 Review – Packaging and Bundle

The box for the PDG1 provides us with a nice clear image of the product inside while also noting its premium target market and compatible devices. The rest of the box concentrates on more product detail and inside we get some product documentation. Also included, looking left to right in the above image we have a cable for phone/tablet use (1.2m), another which acts as a splitter/extension (2m) and one for the main mic which can be used by PC or PS4 (1.2m). Each of the connectors is gold plated.

Audio-Technica ATH-PDG1 Review – The Headset

The ATH-PDG1 uses a black and red colour scheme with some silver accents mixed in and one of the first things which struck us upon unboxing was the low weight of the headset, just 225g. The underside of the headband uses a fabric cover over foam and we can see the port for connecting our mic/cable on the base of the left earcup.

Audio-Technica add some nice discreet branding to the ear-cups along with a metallic effect grid. The arms on each side expand the headset by around 2 inches in total and on the inside we can see more fabric covered foam. Underneath the red insert are two 40mm drivers (open-air, dynamic) with frequency response of 20-20,000Hz and maximum input power of 1300mw. Sensitivity is 92dB/mW and impedance 39ohms.

As we noted earlier, one of the cables provided is for smartphone use and has a compact built in mic and control box. The main mic for the headset is shown above and its cable also has a control pod with mic mute button and volume dial for the headset. The mic itself has a very flexible boom and is a condenser model with -40dB sensitivity (0dB=1V/Pa, 1kHz) and 100-10,000Hz frequency response.

Audio-Technica ATH-PDG1 Review – User Experience and Conclusion

Starting with the build quality and design of the ATH-PDG1 we have a headset which very much impresses. WHile the majority of the main components are plastic, they feel solid and have a decent quality finish. This use of plastic has one key benefit, a lightweight product and when we put them on for the first time they felt fantastic, an experience enhanced by the ultra soft fabric overs on the earcup foam. There is a decent amount of flexibility to the headband, and the headset tension is good. Audio-technica have also managed to fit in a decent amount of movement to the cups which will help them fit a wide range of head shapes and sizes.

As far as setup goes, no issues there. Choose your cable, plug it into the device (PS4, PC or phone/tablet) and you are good to go. The control pods offer the essential functionality and for those on the move, not needing to have a big mic around is a real bonus.

For audio quality, that’s the best aspect of the headset. The main mic is decent, good clarity for most uses… tho podcasters/streamers will still benefit from a stand alone model. To listen to the PDG1 is excellent across a range of audio types. All to often we get “gaming” headsets in for review and they are average, at best, in music playback. The PDG1 does very well on that front providing a nice balanced sound. There is plenty of bass where needed. Mids are warm and the highs detailed and crisp. The only thing to note is that with this being an open headset with fabric covers there is minimal noise isolation so external sounds can get in, just as our music can leak out a bit (at higher volumes) in environments where that may not be ideal. Movie playback is often very good on gaming headsets due to similar soundscapes to gaming and that is true of this headset. Then across various gaming genres we found no issues of note. Clear vocals in game and over chat. Loads of chunky explosions and crisp gunfire with clarity when needed, such as footsteps of our enemies.

Summary: An excellent sounding “gaming” headset which also offers very strong multimedia performance and great flexibility for use on the move, or at home on multiple devices.

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